OxfordPress.com

Running backs begin to spread the wealth

AUSTIN, Texas — Remember when the Texas running game was a problem, when opposing defenses focused solely on quarterback Colt McCoy?

"The biggest threat is Colt McCoy," Oklahoma State safety Ricky Price said. "He's the first thing you're worried about."

OK, so defenses still are focused on McCoy.

That's what happens when he's completed 81.2 percent of his passes.

But helping him out has been the running game, which seems to get better every week.

Senior Chris Ogbonnaya, who has taken the starting position with his ability to break big runs and pass-catching prowess, has 263 of his 285 rushing yards in the past three games.

"It's been huge," McCoy said. "To see Chris and those guys step up, it really opens things up for us.

"It gives the defenses one more thing to worry about. We've got so many weapons."

Redshirt freshman Cody Johnson, all 5-foot-11 and 255 pounds of him, has shored up the short-yardage attack by rushing for 10 touchdowns, Vondrell McGee has found a niche in a reserve role, and Fozzy Whittaker is healthy again.

"I think you're starting to see that we've got a lot of options back there," Ogbonnaya said. "We've got different ways to attack defenses."

Alan Trubow and John Bridges write for the Austin American-Statesman.